Other Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes

Monitoring is an essential part of the treatment type 1 diabetes. This includes the following:

Self-monitoring of glucose

Hemoglobin A1c blood test

Ketone testing

Regular checkups with specialists

Self-monitoring

You (or your child) should check blood sugar levels before taking insulin. Blood sugar levels can be monitored using a home blood glucose monitoring kit. This includes a special device to obtain a drop of blood, which is then tested for glucose. Your doctor will show you how to use the monitoring kit.

To obtain the drop of blood, you may use a:

Lancet—a disposable, sharp, needle-like sticking device

Lancet device—a spring-loaded finger-sticking device

The drop of blood is applied to a chemically treated test strip used with a glucometer—a device that reads the test strip and gives you a digital number value—to interpret your results.

Blood sugar should be tested at least 4 times per day (before breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime). However, you or your child may be asked to test more frequently. Work with your doctor to determine what schedule works best.

Most kits provide a record diary so that you can keep track of your results. If not, your doctor may be able to provide you with one. Write down the results immediately—it is easy to forget the number. Always bring your record diary and glucometer with you when you or your child visits the doctor. Most modern glucometers can be downloaded and the results printed out for your doctor. Blood glucose levels are the single most important component to developing treatment and monitoring control.

Special Considerations

A blood glucose monitor may become less accurate over time. Be sure to test your monitor for accuracy at least once a month, or anytime you suspect a problem. Check the manufacturer's directions to find out how to test your monitor. This will often mean using a "control solution" that is included with your glucometer.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

HbA1c gives an indication of your average blood glucose level over 2-3 months. It is done in your doctor's office and requires only a blood sample. You are not required to fast before this test.

The results of HbA1c tests are given in percentages and are interpreted as follows:

Less than 7%:—good control of your diabetes
(some medical experts believe that excellent control requires levels under 6.5%)

7%-8%—moderate control

8%-9%—fair control

Greater than or equal to 9%—poor control

Note—For a person without diabetes, a normal HbA1c is 4%-6.5%.

Studies show that people who maintain HbA1c levels close to 7% are less likely to develop long-term complications of diabetes than people whose HbA1c levels are 9% or higher. However, any drop in A1c levels reduces the risk of complications. Unfortunately, achieving low HbA1c's may also increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Talk with your doctor about setting specific HbA1c goals.

Ketone Testing

You may be asked to test your urine or blood for ketones, usually only if blood glucose levels are consistently high. Ketones are produced when diabetes is poorly controlled and you are not receiving enough insulin. Instead of using glucose for energy, the body breaks down excess fats—a by-product of which is ketones. Large amounts of ketones in the body can lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, which requires immediate medical attention.

When testing for ketones, it is important that you follow the directions precisely. The kit provides individual-use chemically treated strips. Pass the strip through the stream of urine or place it in a container of urine. Compare the strip against a color chart provided to determine if ketones are present. Blood ketones may also be measured by special glucose meters designed for this use.

The best time to conduct the test is in the morning before breakfast and any time your blood sugar is over 240 mg/dl (13.3 mmol/L) on the blood glucose test.

Call your doctor if you have positive results on the ketone test.

Regular Checkups With Specialists

Since type 1 diabetes affects several systems in your body, your doctor will likely refer you to several specialists to help prevent and/or manage the complications of this disease. The specialists will probably include several of the following:

Endocrinologist—a diabetes specialist

Ophthalmologist—an eye specialist for dilated exams

In some states, an optometrist is licensed to administer drops that dilate the eye. After diabetes has been present for about 10 years, all people with diabetes should have a yearly dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Podiatrist—a foot specialist, especially if you have decreased sensation in the feet

Diabetes nurse educator to help with understanding insulin

Diabetes dietitian educator to assist with meal planning

Social worker, psychologist, or other mental health professional to help with coping strategies

Diabetes education is important. The US goals for improving population health,
Healthy People 2010, note that too few people with diabetes receive proper education about the condition. A recommedation was made that a major public health goal be to increase the proportion of persons with diabetes to receive formal education.

When to Contact Your Doctor

If your blood glucose levels are outside of the target range, report this to your doctor. If this happens often, you (or your child) and your doctor may need to make a change in the treatment plan. Also, if you start to feel any new symptoms, talk to your doctor. You (or your child) may need a referral to a specialist for further care.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Causes of diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
website. Available at:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Diabetes/causes-diabetes/Pages/index.aspx.
Updated June 2014. Accessed September 8, 2015.